March 26-April 1

This is not meant to be a beating, but rather a tool to give
you some help in reading and understanding God’s word. If you miss a day, and can “catch up: by
doubling up, then sweet. If you can’t
read on certain days, adjust the schedule to fit your life. I think you will find the schedule pretty
easy to maintain if you keep just a bit of discipline.

Summary: March 19: Joshua 9 – 11Joshua 9 records disobedience by Israel as they unwittingly make peace with a people God has commanded them to destroy. (Note: The punchline is verse 14, wherein Israel does not inquire of God. This is the consistent theme of humanity back to the Garden; it does not matter what God gives us, in our sin we turn away from Him.)Joshua 10 records more battle victory and leads to…..Joshua 11 where the territories of the north are conquered.March 20: Joshua 12 – 14Joshua 12 recounts the kings Israel has conquered. (Note: This listing is a praise to God, demonstrating what He has done and who He has removed so that His people, Israel, may prosper in the Promised Land.)Joshua 13 begins the division of the land amongst the tribes. (Note: Comprising the bulk of Joshua’s second half, the land division is a fulfilment of the promise of God to deal with the tribes of Israel in fairness; despite what they deserve.)Joshua 14 is the request by Caleb (faithful spy along w/Joshua) to be released to subdue the territory God has promised him. (Note: A great show of faithfulness by Caleb and a demonstration of the faithfulness of God as 40 years after his initial foray into Canaan, Caleb is granted his portion.)March 21: Joshua 15 – 17 These chapters detail the division of the land.March 22: Joshua 18 – 20 These chapters detail the division of the land.March 23: Joshua 21 – 24Joshua 21 lists the cities of the Levites. Joshua 22 shows the righteous zeal for the Israelites for the law of God (how soon they will fall). Joshua 23 – 24 contain Joshua’s final word to the children of Israel. (Note: In many ways, Joshua’s final words mirror Moses’ final exhortation to the Israelites. The nation has been placed by God in a position to uniquely testify to His goodness if they will serve Him and not themselves.)March 24: Judges 1 – 2Judges 1 finalizes the capture of important territories, but begins the nation’s descent into disobedience. (Note: Israel’s unwillingness to follow God’s command to execute His judgment and wipe out the Canaanites is an unwillingness to trust God. Live servants may be better than dead enemies in worldly terms, but that trade-off had the impact of tempting the Israelites towards idolatry; a temptation they never overcame.)Judges 2 begins the apostasy of Israel as they are conquered due to their sinful disobedience. (Note: This cycle will spin over and over again throughout Judges as Israel disobeys and ignores God in favor of their sin.)March 25: Judges 3 – 5Judges 3 shows the 1st Judge to deliver Israel for God. Judges 4 begins the 2nd cycle as Deborah & Barak deliver Israel & praise God in Judges 5. (Note: Even in deliverance from God there is judgment as Israel and her leaders are so faithless that they will not lead the army that God has commanded.)